“The use of a secure digital platform provides the industrial competence centre with the latest innovations in terms of connected industry and smart plants, and will improve the competitiveness of the solutions offered to our customers.”

Thales further noted that its selective laser melting technology facilitates the fusing of metal alloy powders using a high-intensity laser and is used to manufacture complex metal parts that cannot be made using existing technologies.

The company’s new centre will initially use aluminium and titanium to produce parts for various sectors.

Thales has also employed its ‘Industry 4.0’ type procedure at the centre in order to enhance the efficiency of the production tool, enabling improved production at a lower cost and in a more environmentally friendly manner.

In the medium-term, Thales is planning to purchase ten new laser melting technology machines.